Oahu Circle Island Tour: Discover Hidden Gems and Majestic Landscapes from Kauai

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Honolulu

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Embark on an unforgettable Oahu Circle Island Tour and uncover hidden gems, majestic landscapes, and legendary surf spots. Explore the North Shore, visit charming Haleiwa Town, and marvel at breathtaking views from Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay.

Duration: 10 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Diamond Head Crater - Amelia Earhart’s Marker - From this parking area, you can view the Diamond Head Lighthouse, a significant symbol of Hawaiian history for both residents and visitors. Originally built in 1899, it casts light nearly 18 miles into the Pacific Ocean. From this spot, there are excellent views over Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park and up the coast toward Kahala. On the east side of the parking area, you’ll find the Amelia Earhart Marker, commemorating her 1935 solo flight from Hawaii to California. Please note, this tour does not drive into Diamond Head Crater!
Koko Marina Center - Leonard’s Bakery is a Portuguese bakery, famous for Hawaii’s only Portuguese donuts! Known for popularizing the malasada, this fried pastry is slightly crispier and chewier than a doughnut and has no hole, making it a beloved Hawaiian treat. - optional and time permitting
Halona Blowhole - The Hālona Blowhole is one of Hawaii’s natural wonders, formed thousands of years ago from volcanic eruptions. It occasionally shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air due to waves coursing through the underwater lava tubes. The viewing point offers a breathtaking view of Halona Cove, a beautiful beach featured in many movies and music videos. During winter, you might even spot whales in the nearby waters.
Sandy Beach Park - Sandy Beach, also known as “Broke Neck Beach,” is a drive-by or restroom stop. Referred to as “Sandy’s” and known to Hawaiians as Wāwāmalu, this beach on Oʻahu’s southeastern shore is famous for its excellent bodyboarding and bodysurfing opportunities due to its peaky shore break and consistent barrels.
Makapu’u Beach - Makapu’u Body Surfing Beach - Makapu’u means “Bulging Eyes.” Located just below Makapu’u Point, which marks Hawaii’s easternmost tip, this beach is very picturesque with Rabbit Island just offshore. It’s a popular spot for bodysurfing and bodyboarding large waves. In the early days of the sport, this stretch of coast was home to bodyboarding’s first hardcore crew, including Jack The Ripper. Like Sandy’s grinding barrels, Makapu’u has a fierce shore break perfect for bodyboarding. Overlooking Rabbit Island and Makapu’u Lighthouse, this beach was featured in the movie “50 First Dates.”
Waimanalo - Hawaii’s Hidden Treasures - Jamie’s. Restroom stop and light shopping for Hawaii memorabilia, with freshly made delicious fruits and pineapples available for purchase.
Kualoa Regional Park - Chinaman’s Hat - Located on Oahu’s east and north side, Kualoa Regional Park is famous for its view of Mokolii Island (Chinaman’s Hat) and is known for swimming, picnicking, barbecues, and camping. Guests can take pictures and use the restroom.
Kahuku - Tanaka’s Shrimp Stand - No road trip around the island is complete without a stop at one of the famous shrimp trucks! Choose from a menu featuring delicious fresh shrimp options like garlic shrimp, coconut shrimp, spicy shrimp, lemon shrimp, or plain shrimp, along with chicken, fried noodles, white rice, or fried rice, and a fresh tossed green salad with selected dressings. All lunch plates include a soft drink.
Turtle Bay Beach - Turtle Bay Fruit Stand - Enjoy mixed locally grown fruits, desserts, and shave ice available for purchase.
Sunset Beach - Sunset Beach is a renowned surf spot known for its powerful waves that challenge even the best surfers in the world.
Banzai Pipeline - Banzai Pipeline, also known as Pipeline, is one of the world’s most famous surf spots, known for its barreling waves. During winter, massive swells break on shallow reef, making it a dangerous beach for only the best and bravest surfers, and a great place to watch some of the world’s top surfing.
Shark’s Cove - Part of Pupukea Beach Park, Shark’s Cove is known for its spectacular underwater rock formations and diverse marine life. Located near the northern end of the Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), it is a popular snorkeling site with shallow depths up to 20 feet.
Waimea Bay - Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top spot to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably, making it a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Laniakea Beach - Laniakea Beach, or Turtle Beach, is located on Oahu’s North Shore and is well known for being a popular feeding and sunbathing area for Hawaiian Sea Turtles (honu). Many circle island tours stop here for photo opportunities, and the beach is also a favorite surfing and recreational swimming spot for locals.
Puaʻena Point Beach Park - This is the tour’s swimming and snorkeling opportunity (optional). Pua’ena Point Beach Park is a hidden gem on Oahu’s North Shore, popular among surfers. The location is shallow, making it ideal for beginners learning to swim, paddleboard, or surf.
Haleiwa - Macadamia Nut Store - Enjoy free samples of seasoned macadamia nuts and black coffee, along with other items available for purchase. Visit the ASAHI fruit stand, enjoy shave ice, and live music while shopping.
Dole Plantation - Restroom stop, Dole Whip, barbecue corn, and a gift shop to purchase Hawaii memorabilia.
Green World Coffee Farms - Taste free samples of multiple coffee flavors, choose from eight flavors of Hawaii-made Dave’s ice cream, enjoy shave ice, and purchase Hawaii coffee gifts.

What's Included

Engaging narration from a local guide, sharing stories and insights throughout your tour
Use of snorkeling equipment
In-vehicle air conditioning
Round trip airfare to Honolulu International Airport from Lihue Airport on Kauai is included

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Transportation to Lihue Airport on Kauai is not Included

Additional Information

Our excursion uncovers several of Oahu’s most picturesque locations and hidden gems while circumnavigating the island. We proceed towards the renowned North Shore, globally recognized for its awe-inspiring surf beaches where world-class surfers compete every November and December at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. Our journey takes us through the delightful Haleiwa Town, filled with galleries, boutiques, and eateries. Along the way, we make a stop at the famed Dole Plantation where you can discover everything about Hawaii’s iconic pineapple produce. Our mesmerizing journey carries on as we relish the valley and cliff scenes of the lush green Koolau Mountains and South Oahu’s rocky coastline. You will be astounded by the unbelievable panoramic sight seeing from Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Makapuu Point, and Hanauma Bay.

Remaining time from the itinerary will be allotted for pick up and travel time in between the attractions
Meals are at your own expense
Towels not included (guests should bring their own)
Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops—many are cash-only
If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated

Location

Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head Road

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(135 Ratings)

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Ewokp2024

Aug 13, 2024

Spectacular 👌🏽 - A rather pleasant experience, full of good explanations from the Guide. The places you visit are amazing.